Investing in the sports industry: where to start?

Sports are incredibly engaging, and the sports industry is a worldwide phenomenon that has gone beyond cultural and language differences to become by far the strongest consumer engagement platform in the entire world. Almost $500,000,000 is spent on sports every year around the world, making it a tremendous industry for people to consider investing in. Two of the most popular sports are basketball and soccer. Soccer in particular is only growing in popularity as time passes and that popularity is opening up a variety of different investment opportunities.

For instance, as the popularity of soccer increases, there will be an increased need for soccer venues that have been well constructed and well designed, as well as the need for areas surrounding the venues to be built out and improved upon. Places where there is likely to be a pressing need include the likes of Russia and Qatar, which are set to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup respectively. American and Chinese firms are particularly well placed to leverage their experience and their knowledge of how to construct world-class stadiums.

There has also been an enormous amount of growth when it comes to soccer teams such as Manchester United, Tottenham, AC Milan, Arsenal, and Chelsea in China. These clubs are always interested in expanding their fan base, and China is a particularly excellent opportunity thanks to the sheer size of the potential market and because soccer has become so popular in the country.

Wes Edens is one man who knows a lot about sports investment. He is the co-chairman, co-founder and principal of Fortress Investment Group. In May 2014, Edens purchased the NBA Milwaukee Bucks, the latest in a long line of savvy investments that have helped to make him the success that he is today.

Governments and local city councils are well known for the investment that they make in the sports industry, and it goes well beyond just the love of the particular sport in question. Investing in sports in the form of clubs and venues often pays dividends for councils and governments, with the return coming in the form of the improved health and safety of the local community in addition. Sports also offer new opportunities for young people, increases economic growth and individual skills, as well as opening up new employment possibilities. It’s safe to say that investing in sports would be a savvy business decision and one that can greatly benefit the local community at the same time.